A Prayer for the Messy Moments of Life
By Kyle Norman

Bible Reading:
“As for me, I am poor and needy; May the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer, you are my God, do not delay.” - Psalm 40:17

Sometimes I wonder how I get any work done.  My desk at the office is always in some sort of discombobulation. My desk is covered with an array of books, mugs, pens, and file folders; papers are strewn everywhere, my keyboard is often hidden beneath a mountain of bulletin templates and sticky notes. Of course, every once and a while, I attempt to get things in order. But despite the work I put in, my desk will always get messy again. Life, after all, is filled with messy moments.

Sometimes life’s mess is of our own doing. We might cultivate habits or activities that drain the vibrancy of our faith or restricts us from living fully in God’s love and grace. Our propensity to sin can get in the way, and in those moments, we might have to wade through consequences.

But life’s mess is not always our own fault. Mess can pop up through worldly messages that tell us to try harder, be better, or do more to earn our place; that life is ultimately about status and prestige.  Spiritually, maybe we have grown up believing that God has forgotten us, abandoned us, or was never there in the first place. Life’s mess may even be of a more intangible sort: the grievances we hold onto, or the unforgiveness lingering deep within.

The point is life is filled with messy moments. We can’t get away from this fundamental fact. And even if, now, everything seems pristine and perfect, like my desk at the office a time will come when things begin to pile up. This is because none of us live perfect lives. Psalm 40 reminds us that, ultimately, we are poor and needy. No matter how great things might be we never rise out of needing the gracious hand of the Lord.

So, what do we do in messy moments? How do we call for God’s help?  We pray. This sounds simple, I know, but in truth it really is that simple. We pray honestly and passionately. We don’t hold back. We ask for guidance and insight. We name whatever mess needs to be named. We reach out to the One who promises to receive us and restore us.

The good news is the Spirit of our Lord is here. Psalm 55:22 says, “Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders, He will carry your load, He will help you out.” As we lift our messy moments before the Lord, what awaits us is spiritual freedom and peace. We are free to live in the unrestricted love of God, and we have the peace of knowing that God’s power can address whatever we place before his throne.  

Is life messy at the moment?  Are you facing an array of questions, struggles, or doubts? Do you view your spiritual life like the desk in my office, piled high with things to address, problems to solve, situations to manage, and questions to answer? It can feel daunting, can’t it?

But take heart, you’re not alone in what you face. God is with you, and God will help you move through whatever mess you face. Simply call out to the one who is your help, and your deliverer.

Let’s pray:

Gracious Lord Jesus,
I thank you I can always bring to you what is on my heart and mind.  The things that affect my life can be placed before your loving presence. Thank you for your patience and your love that surrounds me.
Lord, you know what I am facing. You know the things of my life more deeply than I do. I place before my poverty and my need.   Lord, think of me, for you are my help. You are the source of my deliverance from all things. You are my God in whom I love and adore. Please do not delay your aid.

Be with me in questions I face, and in your time I ask that you guide me toward right answers. In the situations that cause me stress and anxiety, extend your peace over me. Help me to be confident moving forward, trusting that you will guide me in right pathways. Give me rest, O Lord, when I am tempted to lie awake rehearsing the problems of life. In all things, give me the knowledge that I never walk this life alone, for you are with me, always.
I pray all these things in the precious name of Jesus my Lord,
Amen.

Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Tatyana Tomsickova 

The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada.  He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others.  He also maintains his own blog revkylenorman.ca.  He has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement.

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